Post-Accident Headaches and Nausea: Possible Causes

Headache and vomiting?

My girlfriend was in a car accident a while ago and had some stitches on her forehead.
It has been over two weeks now, and she only experiences dizziness when lying down to sleep and slight dizziness with certain movements.
She saw a doctor a few weeks ago, and the doctor thought the dizziness was normal and prescribed medication.
However, after having lunch yesterday afternoon, she started to feel a headache and discomfort, and later in the evening, she vomited.
The headache persisted, so she went to sleep.
This morning, she still has some pain.
Could this be related to the car accident? I am particularly concerned about the possibility of a subdural hematoma causing these symptoms.
Thank you, doctor.

Xiangxiang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/07/05

Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery

Due to the incomplete information available online, based solely on your content, if you need further information regarding the intracranial region, it is recommended that you visit a neurosurgery outpatient clinic.
Generally speaking, the likelihood of delayed intracranial hemorrhage occurring after two weeks is lower than that within three days.
Therefore, the situation you described should be considered a sequela of head trauma.
Dizziness and headaches following head trauma can persist for at least five to six weeks, and in some cases, individuals may suffer from dizziness and headaches for the rest of their lives.
It is advisable to drink plenty of water and get ample rest.
If symptoms persist, it is still recommended to seek further examination and treatment at an outpatient clinic.

Reply Date: 2011/07/05

More Info

After a car accident, experiencing headaches and nausea can be concerning, especially when there is a history of head trauma. In your girlfriend's case, the symptoms you describe—headaches, dizziness, and nausea—could be related to several factors stemming from the accident.

Firstly, it's important to understand that headaches following a head injury can arise from various causes. One common type is a post-traumatic headache, which can occur after a concussion or other head injury. These headaches can manifest as tension-type headaches or migraines and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound. The fact that your girlfriend had stitches on her forehead suggests that there was a significant impact, which could increase the likelihood of developing such headaches.

Another potential cause of her symptoms could be related to the possibility of a concussion. Concussions can lead to a range of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties. If she experienced any loss of consciousness or confusion at the time of the accident, it would further support the need for careful monitoring of her symptoms.

You mentioned a concern about subdural hematoma or epidural hematoma, which are types of bleeding that can occur between the skull and the brain. These conditions can indeed cause headaches, nausea, and vomiting, especially if there is increased intracranial pressure. Symptoms of these conditions may not appear immediately and can develop over days or even weeks after the injury. If her headaches are worsening, or if she experiences any new symptoms such as severe headache, confusion, weakness, or seizures, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Given that she has been experiencing persistent symptoms for over two weeks, it would be advisable for her to follow up with a healthcare provider, preferably a neurologist or a specialist in brain injuries. They may recommend imaging studies, such as a CT scan or MRI, to rule out any serious complications like bleeding or swelling in the brain.

In the meantime, managing her symptoms is important. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help alleviate headaches, but she should avoid any medications that could increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, unless directed by a healthcare provider. Ensuring she gets adequate rest and avoids strenuous activities is also crucial for her recovery.

In conclusion, while her symptoms could be related to the accident, it is essential to monitor her condition closely and seek further medical evaluation to rule out any serious complications. Keeping a detailed record of her symptoms, including when they occur and their severity, can be helpful for her healthcare provider in determining the best course of action.

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